Man feels empty as wife ‘finds herself ’

DEAR ABBY: After 28 years, my wife left me “to find herself.” She says she doesn’t want a divorce; she just needs time and space to work on herself, but she also wants to work on our marriage.

My question is, how are we supposed to work on our marriage with no contact? What am I supposed to do? I love her, but she’s avoiding me and everyone else. All she wants to do is work and be alone in her apartment. — Lonely in the East

DEAR LONELY: When you asked how your wife plans to work on your marriage if you aren’t seeing each other or communicating, you asked a pertinent question. She cannot have it both ways, nor does she seem open to repairing what drove her to leave your marriage.

Ask if she is interested in counseling. If she isn’t, PLEASE get a referral to a therapist for emotional support for yourself right now. If you do, you will more quickly be able to figure out what your next steps should be.

DEAR ABBY: Two of my children contracted pinkeye. We were assured by the doctor that after being on antibiotics for 24 hours, they would no longer be contagious. Feeling reassured, we isolated them for 24 hours and went about our plans to visit family as originally scheduled.

I later learned that a few days after we left, three of my nephews all came down with pinkeye. I have apologized, but I still feel guilty. Is there anything else I can do to make up for it? — Pink With Guilt

DEAR PINK: A large box of chocolates might sweeten the bitter aftertaste of your visit to that family. Or, go online and search for “Ice Cream of the Month Club.”

If you do, you will find several companies that guarantee frozen deliveries nationwide. Include a message on the card, “Apologies for the pinkeye.”

DEAR ABBY: Iama 14-year-old boy living with my parents and am not allowed to date until I turn 16.

My problem is, there’s this girl. She’s my sister’s best friend. I’m afraid if I wait, she’ll fall out of my life. Also, I am afraid that it will be awkward with my sister. What should I do? — Lovesick in Utah

DEAR LOVESICK: Your parents are enforcing those rules and, at least for now, you need to abide by them. If this girl is friendly with your sister, she’s not going to drop out of your life. That’s why, if you are as smart as I think you are, you will make an effort to simply be “friends” with her. Just friends. If you do, as you get to know each other better, you may form a more lasting relationship.